Providence went 4-0 this week while capturing the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic title behind the stellar play from senior LaDontae Henton. The senior from Lansing, Mich. has been named NetScouts Basketball's National Player of the Week for games from November 17 through November 23rd.
Henton averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game last week while shooting 36-of-59 (61.0 percent) from the field and 8-of-18 (44.4 percent) from three-point range. His week was highlighted in the final of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic against Notre Dame, where he scored 38 points on 14-of-19 shooting that included the game-winning free throws.
The 6-foot-6 wing was one of the most underrated players in the country last season, but has burst onto the national scene early in the season. With the loss of do-it-all point guard Bryce Cotton, Henton has taken over leadership responsibilities and emerged as the leading scorer. He's quickly becoming one of the most productive players in the country.
Gonzaga has made a statement early in the season and looks like one of the best teams in the country. Part of the reason has been the play from freshman Domantas Sabonis, who leads the team in scoring thus far. The native of Kaunas, Lithuania has been named NetScouts Basketball's International Player of the Week for games from November 17th-November 23rd.
Sabonis has been one of the best freshmen in the country and provided productive minutes off the bench this week for the Bulldogs. He averaged 14.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in only 19.3 mpg over three games while shooting 16-of-20 (80 percent) from the floor. The 6-foot-10 power forward has provided toughness and efficiency inside. In his last two games he shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the field.
While just a freshman, Sabonis has looked like an NBA talent and may not be in Spokane very long. He's a good athlete that runs the floor well and rebounds at a high level. Sabonis has played well inside but his progress throughout his freshman season will be something to watch.
Carl Berman is Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball and can be followed on twitter here.